CVRDAGENDAMINUTES.COMOXVALLEYRD.CA
     
COMOX VALLEY REGIONAL DISTRICT BOARD
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Minutes of the meeting of the Comox Valley Regional District Board of Directors held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in the Civic Room of the Comox Valley Regional District offices located at 770 Harmston Avenue, Courtenay, BC commencing at 3:00 pm.
 
 
MINUTES
     
 
Present:
Chair:W. Cole-HamiltonCity of Courtenay
Vice-Chair:J. KerrTown of Comox
Directors:D. ArbourBaynes Sound-Denman/Hornby Islands (Area A)
 V. BrownVillage of Cumberland
 K. GrantTown of Comox
 E. GrievePuntledge/Black Creek (Area C)
 R. HardyLazo North (Area B)
 D. HillianCity of Courtenay
 M. McCollumCity of Courtenay
 W. MorinCity of Courtenay
Staff:J. WarrenChief Administrative Officer
 L. WiwcharukChief Financial Officer
 J. MartensGeneral Manager of Corporate Services
 D. DeMarzoGeneral Manager of Community Services
 A. MullalyGeneral Manager of Planning and Development
 M. RuttenGeneral Manager of Engineering Services
 L. DennisManager of Legislative Services
 
   
IN-CAMERA MEETING:
THAT the Board adjourn to an in-camera session pursuant to the following sub-sections of section 90 of the Community Charter:

90(1)(a) Personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the regional district or another position appointed by the regional district;
90(1)(b) Personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the regional district on condition of anonymity;
90(1)(c) Labour relations or employee negotiations;
90(1)(e) The acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the committee/board considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality;
90(1)(g) Litigation or potential litigation affecting the regional district;
90(1)(i) The receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose;
90(1)(j) Information that is prohibited, or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited from disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
90(1)(k) Negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a regional district service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the committee/board, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the regional district if they were held in public;
90(2)(b) The consideration of information received and held in confidence relating to negotiations between the regional district and the provincial government or the federal government or both, or between a provincial government or the federal government or both and a third party.
208
 
Note: the volume of references above to the Community Charter reflect the Board's consideration of the annual release of in-camera information in accordance with Release of Closed Meeting Minutes Policy P51.
 
 
Time: 3:00 pm.
 
 
RISE AND REPORT:
 
 
The Board rose from its in-camera session at 3:56 pm and reported the following:
 
 
"THAT the Board provide a letter of support to K’ómoks First Nation for their Addition to Reserve Application to the Government of Canada, as requested in the correspondence dated May 17, 2024".
 
 
The open meeting resumed at 4:04 pm.
 
 
RECOGNITION OF TRADITIONAL TERRITORIES:
The Chair acknowledged that the meeting was being held on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation and read the following Call to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action report:

Call to Action 48 - Reconciliation:

We call upon the church parties to the Settlement Agreement, and all other faith groups and interfaith social justice groups in Canada who have not already done so, to formally adopt and comply with the principles, norms, and standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation. This would include, but not be limited to, the following commitments:

i. Ensuring that their institutions, policies, programs, and practices comply with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

ii. Respecting Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination in spiritual matters, including the right to practise, develop, and teach their own spiritual and religious traditions, customs, and ceremonies, consistent with Article 12:1 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

iii. Engaging in ongoing public dialogue and actions to support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

iv. Issuing a statement no later than March 31, 2016, from all religious denominations and faith groups, as to how they will implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
 
 
ADOPTION OF MINUTES:
D. Hillian/W. Morin: THAT the Comox Valley Regional District Board minutes dated May 7, 2024 be adopted. [Item] 
208Carried
 
PETITIONS AND DELEGATIONS:
COMOX VALLEY CYCLING COALITION
 
 
Mike Keohane, President, Comox Valley Cycling Coalition, presented information regarding a user analysis of options for a Cumberland-Courtenay active transportation connector. [Item] 
 
 
GREEN BURIALS
 
 
Janet O'Dell, Dynamic Journey Doula, provided information regarding green burial practices and requested that the CVRD designate specific areas or set aside land for green burials. [Item] 
 
 
COMOX VALLEY FARMERS INSTITUTE (CVFI)
 
 
Niki Whittaker, Administrative Assistant, with Jan Slomp (CVFI president), Etienne Cote (CVFI Treasurer) and Ally Woods (CVFI Director), presented information regarding a funding application to the Farm Credit Canada Agri-Spirit Fund and requested that the CVRD partner with the CVFI to support the application.
[Item] 
 
 
REPORTS:
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK PLAN - CUMBERLAND TO COURTENAY CONNECTOR
 
 
E. Grieve/W. Morin: THAT the report dated May 23, 20241 regarding the preferred alignment option for the Cumberland to Courtenay Connector be received. [Item] 
208 and 212Carried
 
D, Thiessen, Planner 1 - Long-Range, with R. Holme, Manager of Long Range Planning and Sustainability, presented an overview of the report dated May 23, 2024 regarding the preferred alignment option for the Cumberland to Courtenay Connector. [Item] 
 
 
D. Hillian/V. Brown: THAT staff prepare active transportation facility concept drawings for the Cumberland to Courtenay Connector based on the preferred alignment shown in Figure 1 of this staff report, dated May 23, 2024, in order to support a BC Active Transportation grant application in fall 2024.
208 and 212Carried
 
J. Kerr/D. Hillian: THAT the Comox Valley Regional District and Village of Cumberland advocate to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure that any planned roadworks, improvements, or upgrades within the Comox Valley Parkway right-of-way or related Highway 19 interchange include pedestrian and cycling improvements.
208 and 212Carried
 
PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND COMPENSATION ADMINISTRATION POLICY
 
 
M. McCollum/D. Hillian: THAT the report dated May 21, 2024 regarding proposed revisions to Board Policy No. 83 being the “Chief Administrative Officer Performance Review and Compensation Administration Policy” be received. [Item] 
208Carried
 
Chair Cole-Hamilton provided an overview of the report regarding proposed revisions to Board Policy No. 83 being the “Chief Administrative Officer Performance Review and Compensation Administration Policy”.
 
 
W. Morin/V. Brown: THAT the revised Board Policy No. 83 being the “Chief Administrative Officer Performance Review and Compensation Administration Policy”, attached as Appendix A to the report dated May 21, 2024, be adopted.
208Carried
 
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - ELECTED OFFICIALS FORUM - APRIL 16, 2024
 
 
M. McCollum/K. Grant: THAT the Committee of the Whole - Elected Officials Forum minutes dated April 16, 2024 be received. [Item] 
208Carried
 
ELECTORAL AREAS SERVICES COMMITTEE – MAY 6, 2024
 
 
K. Grant/D. Hillian: THAT the Electoral Areas Services Committee minutes dated May 6, 2024 be received. [Item] 
208Carried
 
E. Grieve/K. Grant: THAT the Board clarify that its resolution passed on March 12, 2024 in support of the floodplain exemption application FR 6A 23 (7866 Ships Point Road (Thwaites- Hobley)) is based on the typical approvals under S. 524(7)(b) of the Local Government Act, including reliance on third party qualified professionals, and not on its own determination under LGA s.524(7)(a) that the exemption is consistent with Provincial Guidelines;

AND FURTHER THAT a section 219 covenant that would indemnify the Comox Valley Regional District be prepared in the normal course in reliance of an approval based on s.524(7)(b) of the Local Government Act , and only if the author of the Base Geotechnical Inc. report, or Peer Review, confirms that the recommendations are consistent with Provincial Guidelines and provides the unqualified statement that the “land may used safely for the use intended”;

AND FURTHER THAT the Applicant be provided with an opportunity, if requested, to address this matter prior to consideration and confirmation by the Board.
208 and 213Carried
 
COMOX VALLEY SEWAGE COMMISSION – MAY 7, 2024
 
 
D. Hillian/K. Grant: THAT the Sewage Commission minutes dated May 7, 2024 be received. [Item] 
208Carried
 
COMOX VALLEY WATER COMMITTEE - MAY 7, 2024
 
 
K. Grant/D. Hillian: THAT the Water Committee minutes dated May 7, 2024 be received. [Item] 
208Carried
 
COMOX VALLEY RECREATION COMMISSION - MAY 7, 2024
 
 
E. Grieve/K. Grant: THAT the Recreation Commission minutes dated May 7, 2024 be received. [Item] 
208Carried
 
ELECTORAL AREAS SERVICES COMMITTEE – MAY 9, 2024
 
 
E. Grieve/K. Grant: THAT the Electoral Areas Services Committee minutes dated May 9, 2024 be received. [Item] 
208Carried
 
BYLAWS AND RESOLUTIONS:
E. Grieve/W. Morin: THAT Bylaw No. 764 being “Comox Valley Regional District Weed Control Regulation Bylaw No. 764, 2024” be given first and second readings concurrently. [Item] 
209Carried
 
E. Grieve/D. Hillian: THAT Bylaw No. 764 being “Comox Valley Regional District Weed Control Regulation Bylaw No. 764, 2024” be given third reading.
209Carried
 
E. Grieve/K. Grant: THAT Bylaw No. 822 being “Comox Valley Regional District Bylaw Adjudication Ticketing Bylaw No. 679, 2021, Amendment No. 6” be given first and second readings concurrently. [Item] 
209Carried
 
E. Grieve/D. Hillian: THAT Bylaw No. 822 being "Comox Valley Regional District Bylaw Adjudication Ticketing Bylaw No. 679, 2021, Amendment No. 6" be read a third time.
209Carried
 
K. Grant/J. Kerr: THAT Bylaw No. 823 being “Comox Valley Regional District Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 104, 2010, Amendment No. 26” be given first and second readings concurrently. [Item] 
209Carried
 
E. Grieve/K. Grant: THAT Bylaw No. 823 being "Comox Valley Regional District Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 104, 2010, Amendment No. 26" be read a third time.
209Carried
 
K. Grant/W. Morin: THAT Bylaw No. 827 being “Merville Fire Protection Service Establishment Bylaw No. 484, 2017, Amendment No. 3” be given first and second readings concurrently. [Item] 
208Carried
 
K. Grant/W. Morin: THAT Bylaw No. 827 being "Merville Fire Protection Service Establishment Bylaw No. 484, 2017, Amendment No. 3" be read a third time.
208Carried
 
E. Grieve/K. Grant: THAT Bylaw No. 828 being “Rural Comox Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 520, 2019, Amendment No. 17” be given first and second readings concurrently [Item] 
208 and 213Carried
 
K. Grant/E. Grieve: THAT Bylaw No. 828 being "Rural Comox Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 520, 2019, Amendment No. 17" be read a third time.
208 and 213Carried
 
K. Grant/M. McCollum: THAT Bylaw No. 829 being “Electoral Areas Parks Regulations Bylaw No. 103, 2010, Amendment No. 10” be given first and second readings concurrently. [Item] 
209Carried
 
K. Grant/E. Grieve: THAT Bylaw No. 829 being "Electoral Areas Parks Regulations Bylaw No. 103, 2010, Amendment No. 10" be read a third time.
209Carried
 
K. Grant/J. Kerr: THAT Bylaw No. 831 being "Northern Fire Service Areas Administration Bylaw No. 695, 2022 Amendment No. 1" be be given first and second readings concurrently. [Item] 
209Carried
 
E. Grieve/K. Grant: THAT Bylaw No. 831 being "Northern Fire Service Areas Administration Bylaw No. 695, 2022 Amendment No. 1" be read a third time.
209Carried
 
K. Grant/E. Grieve: THAT Bylaw No. 824 being "Baynes Sound Community Facilities Support Service Establishment Bylaw No. 636, 2021 Amendment No. 1" be adopted. [Item] 
208Carried
 
NEW BUSINESS:
WATER MANAGEMENT FOR AGRICULTURE
 
 
K. Grant/D. Hillian: THAT the correspondence dated May 16, 2024 from Director Grieve regarding consideration of a resolution to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) 2024 convention advocating for better support for farmers and ranchers in improving water management, supply and storage amidst the changing climate and provincial regulatory framework be received. [Item] 
208Carried
 
K. Grant/E. Grieve: THAT the following resolution and backgrounder (Appendix A) be submitted to Union of BC Municipalities for consideration at its 2024 convention:

Water Management for Agriculture:

WHEREAS in response to persistent drought conditions and other climate change effects that are placing considerable stress on supplies of safe, reliable water, the Province of British Columbia has launched new regulatory and enforcement tools as well as funding programs targeting the agricultural sector;

AND WHEREAS efforts by the agricultural sector to develop more efficient water infrastructure, management, supply and storage to maximize available water is being impeded by lengthy, costly, and complex grant application and water licencing processes as well as conflicting guidance from different ministries involved in water management;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the UBCM lobby the Province of British Columbia to mandate the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to work together in a concerted manner to simplify administrative processes, remove excessive requirements, reduce processing times, ensure consistent policy and enforcement, and provide greater support to farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers in improving water management, supply and storage.
208Carried
 
ADJOURN TO IN-CAMERA:
 
 
The Board adjourned to its restricted in-camera session at 5:36 pm.
 
 
RISE AND REPORT:
The Board rose from its restricted in-camera session at 5:47 pm and reported the following:
 
 
"THAT the Board authorize the release of the 2023 Board closed meeting minutes following the severing of information as identified in Appendix A of the staff report dated May 7, 2024." [Item] 
 
 
TERMINATION:
K. Grant/D. Hillian: THAT the meeting terminate.
208Carried
 
Time: 5:47 pm.
 
 
 Confirmed this 11th day of June, 2024:



____________________________________
Will Cole-Hamilton
Chair
 
Certified Correct and Recorded By:




____________________________________
Lisa Dennis
Manager of Legislative Services
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